It’s no secret, we’ve been to loads of international locations through the years. Whether or not by luck, windfall or a penchant for selecting heat international locations surrounded by water, quite a lot of of the locations we’ve visited have had some superb seashores.
I didn’t understand simply what number of nice seashores we had really walked on till I learn an article a couple of years in the past speaking about 25 of probably the most stunning seashores on the planet. The humorous half is I simply occurred to be sitting on a aircraft heading to an island that might undoubtedly have one other stunning seaside ready for me after we landed. What struck me was that we had already walked, napped, swam or arrange a hammock on 20 of these 25 seashores on that checklist.
I want I had saved that article to make this checklist simpler (and to see if we’ve crossed any of the remaining 5 off their checklist) however listed here are 10 of our private favourite seashores on the planet. Whereas a few of these won’t have the best sand, the most effective surf or the shortage of crowds we usually yearn for, all of them have one thing that makes them intrinsically particular to us. I’ve saved it to a single seaside per nation simply to unfold the love however have given a small nod to a different seaside in the identical nation we additionally loved.
Our Favourite 10 Seashores from 20 Years of Journey
20 years of journey appears like lots however it’s lower than half of what we hope the long run brings. As the youngsters begin to go off on their very own adventures, so too will we begin visiting locations which were on our bucket checklist as effectively and possibly revisit a few of our favourite locations for the previous few many years. This checklist is for these seaside lovers that may by no means get sufficient of sand, solar and surf. Get pleasure from!
Whitsundays – Queensland – Australia
As the most important island nation on the planet, Australia in all probability has extra seashores than some international locations have individuals. How do you resolve which of these is your favourite? Easy, you assume again to which seaside struck you as unforgettable. For us, that was the Whitsundays and extra particularly, Whitehaven Seashore.
We had been crusing the Whitsundays for days and after we clambered onto the island and walked over the path from one aspect to the opposite, to say Whitehaven Seashore left a mark on us can be an understatement. Stunning aquamarine water overlapping sandbars of pure white sand with nearly zero civilisation in sight? Sure please.
Australia: Particular nod to Fraser Island (now often called Okay’gari). At 122km, Fraser Island is the most important sand island on the planet and we had an important week of 4x4ing and sleeping on it’s fundamental seaside. Whereas it may possibly’t examine to the Whitsundays for sheer magnificence, it makes up for it in sheer dimension and actions. Moreover, who can resist driving on a seaside so lengthy (75 miles) that it’s categorized as each a freeway in addition to a airplane runway.
Lengthy Seashore – Ko Phi Phi – Thailand
Our three week keep on Lengthy Seashore on Thailand’s backpacker riddled Ko Phi Phi remains to be considered one of our fondest reminiscences. We had been staying in a small hut simply ft from the surf and the straightforward days of swimming within the ocean, snorkeling with fish and reef sharks a stones throw from our door and watching films on our outdated laptop computer with the ocean crashing within the background by no means received outdated.
We haven’t been again for the reason that island received worn out a decade in the past nonetheless we heard the island remains to be as common as ever nowadays. Taking a fast water taxi to city to seize a chunk to eat or taking a half day tour out to Monkey Seashore was an effective way to vary issues up as effectively.
Thailand: Small nod to Ko Lanta must be mentioned as effectively. Although we walked and swam on dozens of seashores in Thailand (and a few of the smaller island seashores even stand out amongst this whole checklist as actually stunning), Micki and I fell in love with Ko Lanta. The sand was extra gritty and the water readability doesn’t even belong on this checklist however we spent weeks there within the off season when issues had calmed down after the busy vacationer season. After all there was superb Thai meals in all places however a fast stroll down the seaside we had discovered an Italian restaurant that rivalled anywhere we ever ate in Italy (the Italian proprietor had simply moved there) and we couldn’t get sufficient of it.
We additionally fell in love with a seaside in Emerald Cave on Ko Mook, Thailand. It’s such a cool place, that’s solely accessible by swimming by means of a cave!
Wanting again now or time on Ko Mook is at all times stuffed with a unique reminiscence. Micki had a kidney an infection that we couldn’t ignore and we needed to take a personal boat off the island then an ambulance to get the closest hospital. Due to that have, we at all times suggest getting journey medical insurance coverage earlier than you allow the nation.
SafetyWing Nomad 2.0 insurance coverage has develop into a favourite since we will select the clinic we would like (one thing that was very important after we had been in Greece and the hospital was closed), it’s a pay-as-you-go subscription and we’re coated as much as 250k in 180 totally different international locations. It additionally has $0 deductible so we’re coated for even small claims like vacationers stomach or ear infections and their new Nomad 2.0 coverage permits each an Journey Sport addon in addition to an electronics insurance coverage addon. Plus, now with the brand new Nomad 2.0 claims course of you can begin a declare with a brand new easy kind in as little as 5 minutes and get reimbursed inside 2.8 days.
Akumal – Yucatan Peninsula – Mexico
Mexico has a whole lot of gorgeous seashores on either side of the nation however our favourite remains to be in all probability Akumal. Not as busy as Cancun or Playa Del Carmen nor as unspoiled as Tulum, Akumal is thought primarily for his or her sea turtles. We’ve spent days on the seaside there through the years from earlier than we had children to now and each time we go there’s simply one thing particular concerning the place. The water is tremendous calm, the numerous fronds attain right down to the seaside and we simply at all times take pleasure in our day there.
The humorous half is although we’ve spent months (years at this level) staying up and down the Mayan Riviera coast, we’ve by no means really spent the evening in Akumal. So, when you’re trying to e book per week or two within the space, simply exterior Playa Del Carmen or near Playa Paraiso down in Tulum can be the world I might recommend however simply be sure to take a day to spend on Akumal Seashore with the ocean turtles. You’re welcome.
Mexico: Small nod to Yelapa, Jalisco. It’s solely a fast 30 minute boat trip from Nuevo Vallarta however it feels such as you’re in one other space of the nation. It has a tremendous laid again appeal and the water and sand are each nice in comparison with many locations on the Pacific aspect of the nation.
Lanikai Seashore – Oahu – Hawaii
Hawaii is stuffed with stunning seashores and whereas the surf on the North Shore is spectacular, the water and sand at Lanikai Seashore is tough to beat. One of many causes this seaside stands out to us is that it’s the primary seaside we ever went get up paddle boarding on and partly why we at the moment personal 4 paddle boards as we speak.
Also called Kaʻōhao Seashore, Lanikai Seashore makes it onto loads of lists of the most effective seashores on the planet and is common for a motive. With good views of the Mokulua Islands and it’s relative proximity to nearly every thing on the island (we toured your complete island in a day and stopped for hours at loads of areas), it’s an important place to spend a day when on Oahu.
Hawaii: Small nod to Witches Brew seaside in Hanauma Bay for snorkeling as effectively when you’re already on the island. Whereas the seaside itself doesn’t examine to Lanikai, there’s some nice protected snorkeling proper off the seaside the place we noticed sea turtles, moray eels and extra colourful fish than we might ever rely simply ft off the shore. It was successful with each us and the youngsters because the surf is extremely mild.
Tortuga Bay – Galapagos Islands – Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are primarily recognized for his or her big Galapagos tortoises nonetheless they need to be equally well-known for his or her salt encrusted sea iguanas, playful sea lions, blue footed boobies and the one penguin on the planet discovered north of the equator. Most of those could be discovered on practically any seaside within the island chain they usually make any seaside tour within the Galapagos unforgettable.
Tortugas Bay, positioned on the island of Santa Cruz, isn’t a seaside you go swimming on however nonetheless stays unforgettable for it’s size and the quantity of sea creatures you discover whereas strolling this lengthy seaside. As a result of fixed present, swimming isn’t allowed on the attractive seaside itself however as you attain the top you’ll discover a small cove on the opposite aspect with good water you’ll be able to swim in. On our stroll to the cove, we noticed loads of sea lions and a tons of sea iguanas basking (and snorting out salt) within the solar. Proper earlier than we received the cove we additionally noticed a couple of of the iguanas venturing into the water and swimming out to seek out lunch.
Galapagos: Small nod to Gardner Bay on Española Island must be added on account of it’s distinctive magnificence. When you can’t keep on the island itself, there are many day journey cruises that may get you to this idyllic lengthy white sand seaside. It has nice swimming and when you’re fortunate, one of many resident sea lions would possibly resolve to play with you within the surf.
Varadero Seashore – Cuba
Whereas not distant nor that onerous to get to, there’s no denying that the lengthy white sands of Veradero Seashore are common for a motive. The seaside, also referred to as Playa Azul for it’s crystal clear blue water goes on for miles (at 21km or 13 mi, it’s the longest within the Caribbean) and although it’s now suffering from all-inclusive resorts, the water remains to be attractive and the sand nonetheless easy. The bonus to having civilization so shut right here is that their world well-known mojitos or a Cuba libre (rum and coke) are only some ft away and taking a day journey into Havana is like stepping again in time.
Cuba: Small nod to Cayo Blanco as effectively. Whereas it’s solely accessible by boat, it’s a good looking strip of white sand and aquamarine water as effectively with a way more rustic vibe. You actually can’t go improper heading on the market for a day however notice that it may possibly get busy some days.
White Seashore – Boracay – Philippines
What can I say about Boracay in addition to that the place is at all times busy and but the sand is a few of the best you’ll discover wherever on the planet. It’s so effective that it really squeaks if you stroll on it and good luck getting the sand out of your garments after taking part in within the aquamarine surf. I might have beloved to see the world 50 years in the past earlier than all the event took over however White Seashore and Boracay Island itself are common for a motive.
The seaside can get fairly crowded at sure instances of the 12 months nonetheless when you go to the farther edge you’ll be able to typically discover a quieter place to arrange a towel. It’s an important swimming seaside with loads to see whereas strolling it’s 4 kilometer size and when you crave somewhat extra pleasure, stroll 10 minutes and also you’ll be on the opposite aspect of the island and may take pleasure in some superb kitesurfing and windsurfing (whether or not watching or renting) on Habagat Bay.
Philippines: A small nod to Entalula Seashore is owed. It’s a stunning stretch of sand nonetheless you’ll must take a tour to get there. Most excursions depart from El Nid and infrequently go to the distinctive sandbar of Snake Island. Be certain that to take a look at Nacpan Seashore when you’re staying within the space as effectively, because it’s a stunning seaside on it’s personal and is simple to get to.
Cathedral Cove – The Coromandel – New Zealand
For an island nation, New Zealand has tons of seashores nonetheless in contrast to their Australian neighbors, the sand isn’t usually as effective right here. That mentioned, we fell in love with the nation and even determined to get married there. What has that to do with Cathedral Cove within the northern Coromandel space of the northern island? Not a lot besides we had a couple of stunning days within the space and actually loved the good seaside and the famed arch.
Again then you can hike out to the seaside however nowadays the paths are closed and it’s essential take a water taxi to get there. It’s nonetheless definitely worth the journey and the backdrop is just stunning plus there are another cool issues to see within the space together with Sizzling Water Seashore the place pure scorching springs meet the ocean and with a little bit of digging, you can also make your individual sandy scorching tub solely ft from the surf.
New Zealand: Small nod to Abel Tasman Park on the south island. I can’t actually let you know the precise seaside we beloved probably the most however your complete Park is only a stunning wonderland of nature. Our pic on the aspect with the kayaks within the background was taken there and seeing it nonetheless brings again nice reminiscences of our time there.
Bavaro Seashore – Punta Cana – Dominican Republic
Filled with all-inclusive properties and big resorts, Bavaro isn’t for you when you demand a quiet seaside away from the crowds. What it does offer you is miles of attractive white sand and exquisite water to swim in. To be honest, whilst you’ll by no means end up actually alone, the sheer dimension of a few of the resorts lining this little pocket of paradise signifies that you’ll find tons of quiet locations to put out a towel. Like a few of the others on this checklist, the place is busy for a motive. The seaside is gorgeous.
Dominican Republic: Small nod to Playa Rincon a couple of hours away. This attractive stretch of unspoiled seaside is a good place to drive to. Far-off from the hustle and bustle of the vacationer websites, it can provide you a really feel of what the Dominican Republic felt a couple of many years in the past.
Praia da Falésia – Algarve – Portugal
There are a whole lot of wonderful Mediterranean seashores in Europe with clear blue water and seashores value shifting there for however it’s exhausting to select any single seaside that had that means to us greater than the others. So somewhat than checklist a kind of, I’m going to look extra in the direction of the ocean and identify a seaside with some superb backgrounds. The 6km Praia da Falesia within the Algarve area of Portugal can actually be damaged into 3 areas, with the cliffs round Olhos de Agua being probably the most scenic.
Vastly common in the summertime months, shoulder season is when the world actually shines and the seashores are quieter and the times not scorching scorching. The cliffs that line the Praia da Falesia make your complete seaside really feel such as you’re reduce off from civilization and also you would possibly spend simply as a lot time watching the cliffs as you do the blue inexperienced water. Our youngsters beloved the cliffs so it may be why the seaside caught so vividly in my thoughts however as is every thing on this checklist, it’s the reminiscences that join us to those locations that make them memorable.
Portugal: A small nod to Praia da Mareta close to Sagres. Whereas the sand isn’t as good as Falesia, the views are simply attractive as you look south and west throughout the ocean. The cliffs within the space aren’t dangerous both.
Particular Point out – Anguilla
Micki and I’ve nearly completely traveled collectively through the years nonetheless there are a couple of locations that just one or the opposite has been to. Micki took a visit a couple of years in the past to Anguilla and fell in love with the numerous seashores nonetheless her favourite was Shoal Bay with it’s quiet vibe and white sands.
Closing ideas on our favourite seashores in 20 years of journey
Each seaside is exclusive with one thing meaning one thing to somebody. Whether or not it’s a lake seaside your loved ones visited each summer time or a as soon as in a lifetime journey to the Maldives you took in your honeymoon, it’s a private factor. Selecting your favourite little bit of sea and sand if you’ve had the nice fortune to have walked on so many stunning seashores through the years will get robust.
If you happen to’re not in settlement with this checklist, that’s okay. Each seaside has it’s distinctive charms and generally the individuals, the meals, nature, the crowds (or lack of them), the standard of the sand, the booming of the surf, the colour of the water and the non human residents who name the seaside house outweigh any of the opposite issues going for them.
There are a whole lot of seashores we’ve walked on through the years which are in all probability extra secluded, extra stunning and extra untouched by mankind however generally they’re forgettable for precisely that motive. Typically there are such a lot of idyllic seashores on an island or faraway coast that all of them mix into on one other and don’t depart an impression aside from the overall notion of “wow, there are loads of good seashores round right here”.
Perhaps that’s for the most effective they usually stay off these lists of the most effective seashores on the planet for motive. Perhaps we’re simply preserving their untouched magnificence for generations to come back or possibly, we simply need them to remain as pristine because the day we first stumbled onto them…
If you wish to checklist a few of your favourite seashores right here and inform us simply how improper we’re, you’re welcome as effectively. We love listening to about new locations and why a sure seaside is vital to you and to not be missed.
Protected travels.
